In Brandon Sanderson’s captivating Mistborn series, certain individuals possess the unique ability to transform metal into magic. For instance, they can burn pewter to boost their physical strength or use brass to calm the emotions of others. However, the true powerhouses in this world are the Mistborn, who can harness multiple metals simultaneously, granting them remarkable abilities like flying through the air and even glimpsing into the future.
Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game brilliantly channels Sanderson’s well-crafted magical system, inviting players to step into the shoes of a Mistborn. The game revolves around crafting intricate combos by efficiently utilizing metals. Players aim to either accomplish three missions, each offering rewards as they hit various milestones, or outlast their rivals by reducing their health to zero.
As the game unfolds, characters grow stronger, unlocking the potential to burn more of the game’s eight metals each turn. These metals power cards that can help players progress on mission tracks, attack opponents, or refine their decks by purchasing new cards from the center row or discarding weaker starting ones. Numerous cards feature special kickers that unleash more powerful effects if you burn multiple of the same metal type, encouraging a focused strategy. Alternatively, players can adopt a broader approach by flaring metals, temporarily setting them aside until they recharge with a corresponding card in future turns. Personally, I felt I underestimated this flaring tactic early on, missing an opportunity to strengthen my deck.
A unique twist in this game is its creative take on handling damage. In a three- or four-player game, only one person is designated as the target and can be attacked. But this isn’t all bad news, as the target gets the chance to strike back at all opponents whenever they retaliate. When the target receives damage, they can either pass the token to someone else or hold onto it. This approach cleverly avoids players ganging up on whoever’s leading the game while allowing strategic players to keep the token if they favor an aggressive play style.
I’m excited to explore more strategies and dive into the game’s cooperative mode, which seems to stay truer to the book’s storyline as Mistborn team up against the oppressive Lord Ruler. The game seems primed for expansions, with potential to introduce more characters from the series and unfold story elements beyond the first book.
